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When preparing a site for venipunctures with alcohol, how long must the area be cleaned?

  • A. 5 seconds
  • B. 10 seconds
  • C. 30 seconds
  • D. 60 seconds
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When preparing a site for venipunctures with alcohol, it is important to clean the area for at least 30 seconds. This ensures that the alcohol thoroughly disinfects the skin and reduces the risk of introducing infections during the procedure. Cleaning the area for a full 30 seconds allows the alcohol to effectively kill any bacteria present on the skin's surface, creating a safe environment for the venipuncture to take place. Shortening the cleaning time may compromise the cleanliness of the site and increase the chances of contamination. Therefore, 30 seconds is the recommended duration for cleaning the site with alcohol before a venipuncture.